Darkness Into Light, supported by Electric Ireland, takes place in 120 venues across Ireland on Saturday May 6th at 4.15am. Darkness Into Light supports Pieta House’s life-saving work, allowing them to continue to provide free therapeutic services to people in suicidal crisis, who are self-harming, or have been bereaved by suicide.

We’re pretty fortunate to have such a green, beautiful country full of stunning landscapes that attract people from all over the world here.

Now that spring is well and truly here, and the weather is improving all the time as we approach summer, you’ve no excuse to not get out and explore the beauty that Ireland has to offer.

Here are five of the most gorgeous walking spots around the country that need to be experienced:

 

Doolin, Co. Clare

Situated on the north west coast of County Clare and close to Lisdoonvarna, Doolin is the gateway to some of the country’s most beautiful natural spots which are world-renowned, including the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. The area offers both coastal and cliff walks, and both provide truly breathtaking scenery.

 

 

Marlay Park, Co. Dublin

This location, overlooked by the historic 18th Century Marlay House and home to a playground, golf course and various sports facilities, provides a range of walking and running trails. Most famously, Marlay Park is the official starting point of the Wicklow Way. The walk takes you through picturesque woodlands and a gradual ascent towards the Dublin hills which provide gorgeous vistas.

 

 

Arranmore Island, Co. Donegal

This island off the west coast of County Donegal is a quintessential example of Ireland’s natural rural beauty. The walk around Árainn Mhór, to give it its Irish name, is sign posted as Slí Árainn Mhór, also known as the Aranmore Loop, which takes you all around the island and begins and ends at the Ferry port. The views along the way are really spectacular.

 

 

Phoenix Park, Co. Dublin

The Phoenix Park boasts being one of the capital's oldest landmarks and is the largest enclosed park in any capital city in Europe. Within it are Áras an Uachtaráin, Dublin Zoo, Ashtown Castle, and the Wellington Monument. It provides a number of nature trails and expanses of grassland, separated by avenues of trees – you might even spot some wildlife, including the park’s famous wild deer.

 

 

Killarney, Co. Kerry

Killarney has a simply stunning natural heritage. Its many attractions include Lough Leane, Killarney National Park, Muckross Lake, the Gap of Dunloe and Torc Waterfall, so walkers have numerous options. Most walks are loops so they bring you back to where you started. The natural beauty and varied landscapes of the place will really amaze you.

 

All five walking spots listed here will host Darkness Into Light walks

You can find out more about Darkness Into Light here.